Hispasat chooses ILS and SpaceX

September 16, 2015

Hispasat has confirmed agreements with launch service providers ILS and SpaceX to put the satellites Amazonas 5 and Hispasat 1F into orbit. Both satellites will be launched in 2017 and will be an important step for Hispasat Group in their strategy for growth and expansion, which was initiated with the launch of Amazonas 3 in 2013.

Through these agreements, the Spanish operator will once again collaborate with ILS after the launch of Amazonas 1 in 2004, and will for the first time work with SpaceX and their Falcon 9 vehicle. Hispasat 1F, which will be built on the SSL 1300 satellite platform, will be located at the 30° West orbital position. It will replace Hispasat 1D and provide the Group with additional Ku band capacity for the Andes and Brazil. Moreover, with Hispasat 1F, the Group’s transatlantic capacities for connectivity between Europe and America will increase, and Ka band capacity will be added with European coverage in order for Hispasat to continue increasing their broadband services in the region.

Like Hispasat 1F, Amazonas 5, which will be located at 61°W, will be built by SSL on its 1300 platform. With this new satellite, the Hispasat Group will be able to meet the growing satellite capacity demand, mainly for satellite television platforms in Latin America and Brazil.

Moreover, it has Ka-band capacity to deal with new Internet connectivity services. In the words of Hispasat CEO Carlos Espinós, “by putting our Amazonas 5 and Hispasat 1F satellites in orbit, Hispasat Group will strengthen its position as the leader in the Spanish and Portuguese markets and will be able to satisfy the growing demand for telecommunication services in Europe, America and North Africa. We are certain that the choice of ILS and SpaceX will allow us the flexibility to successfully accomplish these two missions.”

ILS president Kirk Pysher affirmed, “Our partnership with Hispasat dates back over 10 years with the successful launch of Hispasat’s Amazonas 1 satellite in 2004 on ILS Proton. We are proud that Hispasat continues to place its trust in us to expand their fleet. ILS and Khrunichev look forward to working with Hispasat on this important mission.”

“SpaceX is pleased to support the further expansion of Hispasat’s capabilities on orbit and we look forward to a rewarding partnership launching missions for Hispasat” said Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX. “